Susan Neese McKinney Ramblings

"Rockbridge Grist Mill"  11"x 14", Oil It was a great day Saturday to go for a drive and to paint at a new location for me.    A privately owned Grist mill that is no longer in use, but is a nice family vacation site or for day use.    They have a trout hatchery so have trout for fishing or trout for eating at their nice restaurant.    Cheryl Coen and I didn't get into the fishing mode, but we did enjoy painting the old mill, and eating at the lodge.   Here's an action photo of me that Cheryl took.    And one showing what I had so far.   I'll post it again when finished. 

Here are two paintings I did on location last week.   I'm showing two versions.   The first of each one was done on site.   The second photo shows the paintings after I've touched them up in the studio .  Sometimes I like the freshness of the first version better.   It's always hard to get the emotion of the scene when I'm not there feeling and smelling the beauty of the site.    "Morning Dip", 8"x 10", Oil on canvas  "Morning Turnaround", 8"x 10", Oil on canvas

When you have a child it's a very special day.    Be it your first baby or your fifth.    This is my sweet daughter Julie and our first granddaughter Abby, 19 years ago next month.    Here's to all you Mom's out there.   "Motherhood". "Motherhood", 12"x 12", Oil on canvas

I put on my first "Art Talk" last week in front of an Art club of strangers,( except for Bill Woods).    When Bill first asked me a couple months ago.....my first inclination was to say......uh, sorry I'm too busy, or some such baloney.    But like a lot of things, deep down I knew it would be good for me to confront my fears, bite the bullet and say, "okay I'll be there."    After conferring with a friend and Bill, it was decided I would tell about my decision to paint a series to honor, Bob, and other Vietnam Vets who have died or were dying from causes of Agent Orange.    In other words, how it was basically grief therapy for my soul and also a wake-up call for other Vietnam vets.     One worry for the evening was for me to break down while speaking on such an emotional subject.   I didn't want to be a downer.    I decided to not show the paintings until I had told about myself and h...

I really enjoyed painting this yesterday.    The weather was perfect, and with a little rain the day before, everything was sparkling clean.     This was at the Japanese Stroll Garden, Springfield Botanical Garden, Springfield, MO.    I added just a few little touches this afternoon, and it's ready to sign after it drys a little.    Here's the photo taken on site, and a little closer view.  

April has rang in with a busy art week.    Tuesday I took 3 paintings for the Springfield Plein Air groups show at "The Library Center", in Springfield, MO.   I'll post a photo.    Then Friday is Potluck with the group.     Also on Friday the Lost & Found Grief Center of the Ozarks requested one of my paintings for their "Operazzi",~~Songs of Hope~~ event.    Music and food to bring awareness to their important cause.    My painting and others will be on display for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the SRO Lyric Theatre and the Grief Center.   I'm honored to be a small part of their event.  

Last nights opening reception at The Creamery Arts Center was pretty nice, but a little light on the number of viewers.    I am thankful that my paintings were getting some wonderful comments.     Most stating that they were very moving.    So it feels good to know that the emotion involved in their painting process is coming through to the viewer.    The staff accidentally hung the paintings out of order for the series, but promised to get them hung properly on Monday and to get the final painting placed with the group.    The group should make a lot more sense for the viewer once in the proper order.     This photo is the other painting showing the  "New Beginning".   Hung on the diagonal.   SRAC show, Mar.2014